Can parents accompany their children when they have mumps?

Parents can accompany their children with mumps, but they need to pay special attention to the infectiousness and take corresponding isolation and protection measures, such as wearing masks, washing hands frequently, etc. At the same time, they need to ensure that family members are vaccinated to avoid cross infection. Mumps is a highly contagious disease that is mainly transmitted through droplets, so parents need to be extra cautious when accompanying their children.

1. Transmission characteristics and hazards of mumps

Mumps is caused by the mumps virus, which is highly contagious and often occurs in children and adolescents. It is mainly transmitted through saliva droplets and contact with contaminated objects, and the incubation period is generally 1-2 weeks. Patients mainly show unilateral or bilateral parotid swelling and pain, sometimes accompanied by fever. If not isolated and treated in time, it may cause complications such as meningitis, orchitis or oophoritis, and in severe cases may also cause hearing loss. Protection during care is particularly important.

2. Protective measures for accompanying

If parents are caring for a child with mumps, they should take the following steps:

Wearing a mask: Parents must wear a medical mask throughout the process to avoid direct contact with the patient's oral and nasal secretions or droplets.

Wash your hands and disinfect them frequently: Wash your hands with soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after contact with children to prevent the spread of residual viruses.

Isolation of special items: The sick child’s bowls, chopsticks, cups, towels, etc. should be used separately from those of family members and should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.

Regular ventilation: Keeping the air in the child's room circulating, fresh and dry will help reduce the virus content in the room.

3. Reduce the possibility of family members being infected

Other family members, especially those who have not been vaccinated against mumps, are at higher risk. Parents can also take the following measures:

Vaccination: Check whether family members have received the mumps vaccine. If not, consult as soon as possible. The mumps vaccine is usually combined with the measles and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) to have a preventive effect.

Avoid close contact: Except for the necessary accompanying time, try to avoid long-term close contact with the sick child, especially people who are susceptible to infection such as pregnant women and the elderly.

Strengthen nutrition and rest: Taking in adequate nutrition and ensuring enough sleep can help improve immunity and reduce the risk of infection.

4. When to seek medical attention and other precautions

If the child has persistent high fever, severe headache, coma or convulsions, etc., they need to seek medical attention immediately to avoid serious complications. During the accompanying period, parents need to pay attention to their own physical condition. If similar symptoms occur, they should be isolated in time and go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment.

It is not completely impossible to accompany a child with mumps, but strict isolation and protection measures must be taken to avoid the spread of the virus. Parents should pay attention to the details of protection and provide a safe environment for the child and family. If you feel that you cannot protect yourself well, you can choose to consult a professional doctor or consider isolation and treatment. Healthy living habits and vaccinations are important safeguards against such infectious diseases.